New measures to create a “simpler, clearer and fairer” energy market for homeowners must be extended to small businesses, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has told Ofgem.

Today’s call comes after the government backed a number of Ofgem’s proposals to reform the energy market including restricting suppliers to offering no more than four simple core tariffs per fuel type (electricity and gas). This would “put an end to the complex and confusing range of offers consumers currently have to pick through,” Ofgem said.

Homeowners will also be put on their supplier’s lowest variable rate unless they choose otherwise.

The reforms, which are supported by new powers gained in the Energy Bill earlier this month, are due to come into force from this summer.

Applauding the reforms, ACS chief executive James Lowman urged ministers and Ofgem to extend them to all small businesses.

“ACS has campaigned for, and been promised, measures including strict rules on the information suppliers must provide to business customers about contract terms and limits on companies blocking retailers switching to new providers. These are needed just as urgently as changes in the household energy market,” he said.

“We will continue to press for action until retailers see a real change in the way they are treated in the energy market,” he added.